ZAMBIA: Nuncio Appeals for Support for Refugees in Zambia
Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, H.E Most Rev. Julio Murat
Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, H.E Julio Murat has called upon the International Community to assist thousands of Congolese refugees currently settled at Kenani Refugee Settlement in Nchelenge district in northern Zambia.
His Excellency Archbishop Murat has further praised the UNHCR in Zambia for rendering support, generosity and humanity towards refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“The Catholic Church in Zambia is deeply grateful to UNHCR in Zambia for their generosity and humanity towards the victims of the conflict. I urge the international community to give this crisis the attention it deserves and come to the aid of refugees especially women and children in meeting the most basic necessities of their survival,” said Archbishop Julio Murat.
“The work of UNHCR in Zambia is one of solidarity with refugees and the Vatican is thankful to the Zambian Government for giving UNHCR space to operate.” he added.
His grace further assured the over 14,633 refugees running from Congo DR and settled at Kenani and Mantapala Refugee Settlements that the Catholic Church in Zambia will always stand by them and support their plight.
This call was made when Archbishop Murat visited Kenani Refugee Settlement and offered Mass for the14, 540 Refugees.
And the UNHCR Country Representative added that her organization does not have enough funds to provide in full for the survival of many refugees in Zambia.
“We are currently relying on pledges from well-wishers. This means that most families will go without sufficient food; children unable to get medical treatment and young girls will be vulnerable to early marriage if support is not given,” said Pierrine Aylara, UNHCR Country Representative.
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Source: UNHCR Zambia Public Information office.
